How to Renew Your CompTIA Certification (CompTIA Security+ Renewable)
Introduction: What Is CompTIA Security+ Renewable?
CompTIA Security+ renewable refers to the continuing education and associated activities required to keep your CompTIA Security+ certification valid and recognized as current by employers and industry standards. CompTIA certifications such as Security+ are not permanent credentials but require renewal every three years through specific renewal options, including continuing education units (CEUs), higher-level certifications, or completing CompTIA CertMaster CE.
If you are preparing for the CompTIA Security+ online course, want to know options like Coursera CompTIA Security+, need a CompTIA Security+ Voucher, want to understand CompTIA Security+ exam cost India, or are curious about Free CEUs for CompTIA Security+, this guide will clarify every step in the renewal cycle and how it affects your career trajectory.
Why Renewal Matters
Maintaining an active CompTIA Security+ certification is essential for cybersecurity professionals to demonstrate up-to-date knowledge and skills. Many employers and government contracts require active certification status. A lapsed certification can affect job eligibility, resume credibility, and professional credibility in competitive markets.
Does the CompTIA Security+ Certification Expire?
Yes. The CompTIA Security+ certification expires three years from the date you earn it. CompTIA’s continuing education (CE) program requires you to renew the credential before this expiry date to maintain its validity and recognition.
After expiry, if renewal requirements are not fulfilled within the original cycle, the certification will be considered inactive. CompTIA may offer a short grace period, but all CEUs or renewal activities must be completed within the original three-year period to count toward renewal.
Key Takeaway: Your Security+ certification does expire every three years and must be renewed before that period ends.
What Happens if Certification Expires?
If you miss the renewal deadline, the credential status changes from “active” to “expired.” Although CompTIA sometimes offers a brief grace period to submit CEUs or pay required renewal fees, no extra time is usually granted to earn new CEUs.
During that grace period, you may still submit documentation, but after it ends, you will need to schedule a Security+ retake exam if renewal requirements were not met within the three-year cycle.
How Long Is the Renewal Cycle?
The renewal cycle for CompTIA Security+ is three years from the date your certification was earned. Within this period, you must complete renewal activities such as earning CEUs, completing CompTIA CertMaster CE, or passing a higher-level certification exam to extend the credential for another three-year period.
How to Renew Your CompTIA Certification
1. Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
CEUs are the heart of the CompTIA continuing education system and are measured based on your participation in approved professional activities that reinforce and expand your security knowledge.
You must collect a specified number of CEUs before your certification expires:
- CompTIA Security+: 50 CEUs required within the three-year cycle.
Activities that may earn CEUs include:
- CompTIA Security+ online course development and completion.
- Participation in industry conferences, webinars, or security training programs.
- Publishing relevant cybersecurity articles, blog posts, or white papers.
- Teaching a course or workshop directly related to Security+ objectives.
- Vendor-approved cybersecurity training.
Free CEUs for CompTIA Security+
Some professional development platforms and cybersecurity communities offer free CEUs for CompTIA Security+ through webinars, special online events, or sponsored training sessions. Always ensure these opportunities are approved by CompTIA before submission.
After earning CEUs, you must submit them in the CompTIA portal before the certification expiration to finalize renewal.
2. Complete CompTIA CertMaster CE
CompTIA CertMaster CE is a self-paced eLearning course aligned to the latest Security+ exam objectives. Completing it automatically renews your Security+ certification without having to collect individual CEUs, saving time and administrative effort.
CompTIA CertMaster CE is often used by professionals who prefer an online refresher course rather than tracking multiple CEU paths.
3. Earn a Higher-Level CompTIA Certification
CompTIA’s “stackable” certification model allows you to renew Security+ by passing a higher-level certification exam such as:
- CompTIA CySA+
- CompTIA PenTest+
- CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+)
Earning one of these credentials automatically renews your Security+ credential and potentially other lower-level certifications.
4. Earn Non-CompTIA IT Certifications
Certain non-CompTIA IT industry certifications approved by CompTIA may contribute toward your CEU total or fulfill renewal requirements. Always verify that the certification activity is recognized by CompTIA’s Continuing Education Program before relying on it for renewal.
5. Pass the Latest Release of the CompTIA Security+ Exam
If you prefer not to use CEUs or CertMaster CE, retaking and passing the latest version of the Security+ exam renews your certification and starts a new three-year cycle.
This option may be especially useful if significant syllabus updates have occurred and you want to demonstrate current mastery.
Does CISM Renew Security+?
No. CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) is not part of the CompTIA certification family and does not automatically renew Security+. Only CompTIA-approved certifications or activities within its CE program (such as CompTIA CySA+, PenTest+, or SecurityX) will renew Security+. These certifications are designed within the CompTIA framework and share continuing education pathways.
Which CompTIA Certifications Do Not Expire?
Some CompTIA credentials do not have an expiration or renewal requirement, though this list changes over time as CompTIA updates its certification lifecycle policies. Historically, entry-level certifications may not require renewal while associate or professional credentials do. Always check CompTIA’s official certification renewal page to determine which credentials are exempt from CE requirements at that time.
What Renews CompTIA CySA+?
CompTIA CySA+ renewal typically requires earning a specific number of CEUs within a three-year cycle (for example, 60 CEUs). Earning higher-level CompTIA certifications such as SecurityX can contribute toward or satisfy CySA+ renewal.
Complete Guide to CompTIA Security+ Renewal (Step-by-Step Process)
Renewing your CompTIA Security+ certification is a structured and straightforward process when you understand the exact steps and requirements. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced IT professional, following a clear renewal roadmap ensures that your certification remains active without unnecessary stress.
Step 1: Understand Your Renewal Timeline
The CompTIA Security+ certification is valid for three years. You can begin earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs) at any time during this period. It is recommended to start early rather than waiting until the last few months.
Step 2: Know the CEU Requirement
To renew your Security+ certification, you must earn 50 CEUs within three years. These CEUs can be collected through various approved activities such as:
- Cybersecurity training programs
- Industry webinars and workshops
- Higher-level certifications (like CySA+ or CASP+)
- Teaching or mentoring in cybersecurity
- Publishing blogs or research papers
Each activity carries a specific CEU value, making it easier to accumulate points gradually.
Step 3: Choose the Best Renewal Path
There are three primary ways to renew your certification:
1. Continuing Education (Most Popular)
Earn CEUs through training, events, and learning activities. This is the easiest and most flexible method.
2. Higher-Level Certification
Earning advanced certifications automatically renews your Security+ credential.
3. Retake the Exam
If your certification expires, you can retake the latest Security+ exam, but this is usually the least preferred option.
Step 4: Track and Submit CEUs
You must upload your CEU activities through the CompTIA Continuing Education portal. Keep proper documentation such as:
- Certificates of completion
- Webinar attendance proof
- Training records
Tracking your progress regularly ensures you meet the requirement before the deadline.
Step 5: Stay Updated With Industry Trends
Cybersecurity evolves rapidly, with new threats, tools, and frameworks emerging regularly. Renewal is not just about maintaining certification—it ensures you stay aligned with modern cybersecurity practices like:
- Zero-trust architecture
- Cloud security
- Threat intelligence
- Incident response strategies
Security+ Renewal: CEUs vs Exam Retake (Comparison)
| Renewal Method | Difficulty | Cost | Flexibility | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEUs | Easy | Low/Free | High | Working professionals |
| Higher Certification | Medium | Medium | Medium | Career growth |
| Retake Exam | Hard | High | Low | Expired certification |
Pro Tips to Renew Security+ Easily
- Start collecting CEUs in the first year
- Attend monthly cybersecurity webinars
- Combine study resources with practice tests
- Use structured learning (books + courses)
- Maintain a CEU tracking spreadsheet
Why You Should Not Delay Renewal
Delaying your renewal can lead to certification expiration, forcing you to retake the exam. This can cost more time, money, and effort. Maintaining an active certification demonstrates continuous learning, which is highly valued in cybersecurity roles.
Conclusion
The CompTIA Security+ renewable process ensures certified professionals remain current with industry-standard cybersecurity practices. Renewal can be achieved through CEUs, completing CompTIA CertMaster CE, earning higher-level certifications, or retaking the latest exam. Each path has unique benefits tailored to different career strategies.
Maintaining an active Security+ certification signals professionalism and dedication in cybersecurity roles. Planning your renewal early—using free CEUs, training courses, and approved activities—can keep your credential valid and your skillset competitive.
